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C. Rajagopalachari
सी. राजगोपालाचारी
Rajaji — the last Governor-General of Bhārat and the conscience of the Congress
Years
1878 – 1972
Known as
'Rajaji' — C. Rajagopalachari
Birthplace
Thoranur, Tamil Nadu
Field
Freedom Fighters
“The salt of the sea is the salt of freedom.”
— Rajaji, on the Salt March
The Story
Born in Thoranur, Tamil Nadu, Rajaji was a lawyer of legendary sharpness when Gandhi returned to Bhārat. He became one of his earliest and most devoted followers, leading the salt satyagraha in the south during the Civil Disobedience movement — walking from Trichy to Vedaranyam to make salt, in a southern echo of Gandhi's own march.
He served as Chief Minister of Madras and Premier of the Madras Presidency, carrying out constructive programmes even while in office. His administrative brilliance and his devotion to prohibition, village industries, and education made him a model of the Gandhian administrator.
In 1948 he became the first and only Governor-General of Bhārat, and later served as Home Minister and Chief Minister of Madras. In his old age, concerned about the direction of the nation, he founded the Swatantra Party — a free-market, individualist movement that became the principal opposition to the ruling party in the 1960s.
Core Ideas
First Governor-General of Bhārat
The highest office, held by a person of Bhārat in 1948.
Gandhi's Comrade
His closest southern lieutenant in the struggle.
The Southern Salt March
He led the Vedaranyam march of 1930.
The Administrator
A chief minister of legendary efficiency.
The Swatantra Party
His later years brought a new political vision.
Why it matters today
Rajaji's birthday, 10 December, is observed as Human Rights Day in his honour, and his portrait adorns the Indian Parliament. He is remembered as the man who combined the saint's conscience with the statesman's skill — and who warned of perils in the nation's path with prophetic courage.